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Already, from the sound of light steps on the stairs, he was

aware that she was close, and though he was satisfied with his

speech, he felt frightened of the explanation confronting him....

Chapter 9

Anna came in with hanging head, playing with the tassels of her

hood. Her face was brilliant and glowing; but this glow was not

one of brightness; it suggested the fearful glow of a

conflagration in the midst of a dark night. On seeing her

husband, Anna raised her head and smiled, as though she had just

waked up.

"You're not in bed? What a wonder!" she said, letting fall her

hood, and without stopping, she went on into the dressing-room.

"It's late, Alexey Alexandrovitch," she said, when she had gone

through the doorway.

"Anna, it's necessary for me to have a talk with you."